Science of Vehicle Attack – Progress Report

Joe and Tony looking at the data

For all those interested in the results of the Vehicle Dynamics Institute test – As I mentioned the paper will be submitted to the Society of Automotive Engineers. We must adhere to the associations guide lines. The paper cannot be disseminated until the SAE process is complete.

But there is data that is not germane to the SAE paper that we will be distributing. Unfortunately the first sets of tests were interrupted by the weather system that ran through the Northeast (labeled historic), and we also have that pesky task of conducting training programs (15 training programs in 6 weeks) – we ask all to be patient. We are in the process of going through the eight hours of data we did manage to collect.

Joe setting up the tire camera

The first set of tests was interesting especially when comparing the armored SUV vs. a Sedan. The most surprising characteristic we have some across to date is steering lag, how much time and distance it takes for the vehicle to respond to the drivers input. We knew that it existed but not to the extent we measured, and the other surprising issue was the difference in steering lag between the armored SUV and the sedan.

The other issue we need to work out is having drivers with different levels of skills. Joe Autera driving the car gives us the raw data we need to do an engineering analysis. Joe gives us the repeatability we need to get consistent data. As an example when driving the armored vehicle through the lane change – when measuring time, distance, G’s, and steering wheel angle – the runs are identical to within an inch – hundreds of a second and G’s with virtually the same steering angle.  Nice, but if we want to explore vehicle characteristics and the decision making process, we will need drivers with less experience.

We will keep everyone updated.